Texts

What Position Do You Play?

When others are generous to you, how do you show appreciation?
(Taken from "Living Jewish Values, Family Connections" Behrman House, 2012)
  1. Punter in football - You're a special team member, and you show appreciation only on special occasions. Think about expressing your gratitude more frequently. As Hillel teaches, "If I am only for myself, what am I?" (Pirkei Avot 1:14).
  2. Left field in softball - You're always on the on the field, but you don't always see action. Likewise, you are regularly appreciative, but choose to express your gratitude in deeds rather than words. As the Mishnah says, "Say little and do much" (Pirkei Avot 1:15).
  3. Point guard in basketball - Your position is always in play. You're the quickest player on the team, and the quickest person to say thank you to others for what they do for you. As the Midrash teaches, "With every single breath we take, we must express our gratitude to God" (Genesis Rabbah 14:9).